June 5, 2020
We are standing in solidarity with those demanding justice for George Floyd, an end to police brutality against communities of color, and an end to systemic racism across the country. In a week that included not only the horrific murder of George Floyd but also the attempts of a white woman to use that systemic racism to harass and criminalize Christian Cooper, a Black man peacefully convening with nature, we are compelled to take action. Black lives matter.
In conservation work, we understand that dismantling a system that is unhealthy in favor of something better takes time and deliberate, collective, sustained effort.
Like many of you, we are reading, listening, and examining our own privilege as we consider the intersection of conservation and racial justice, and what that means for Belwin. In this spirit, we’d like to celebrate the contributions of Black environmentalists, and also invite you to explore the #BlackBirdersWeek movement, which is opening eyes to the specific challenges faced by Black nature enthusiasts.
Belwin is committed to the ongoing work of listening, learning, and participating in solutions that create a more just future. We want to honor our new and long-standing partners that we have learned so much from already, and also acknowledge that we have a long way to go. We will keep you updated as we progress and enact change.
With hope and resolve,
Katie Bloome
Executive Director
she/her
katie.bloome@belwin.org
(651) 435-0848
David Hartwell
President of the Board
david@dbhartwell.com
763-201-6556
